Cursillo’s annual Encounter with Christ nurtures personal journey with the Bread of Life

The Metuchen Cursillo Movement embarked on its 14th annual Encounter with Christ, May 9, in Mary, Mother of God Church, Hillsborough, commencing with a solemn celebration of Mass. Bill Grippo, diocesan coordinator, expressed gratitude for the support of Bishop James F. Checchio and emphasized the mission to fortify a community devoted to Jesus Christ.

Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Luke Mary Fletcher, shrine chaplain for The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Asbury, offered the first talk, inviting the audience to reflect on being holy versus merely appearing holy, posing the simple yet profound question of how the Holy Spirit guides the faithful to the Eucharist, that personal encounter with Jesus, and how frequently the faithful are devoted to the Eucharist in Adoration

Reflecting on Pope Saint John Paul II’s insights in his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Father Luke stressed the profound connection between Mary and the Eucharist. John Paul II emphasized Mary’s role in guiding believers towards a deeper understanding and acceptance of the mystery of the Eucharist. Just as Mary urged obedience to Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana, she continues to encourage trust in her Son’s words, affirming his ability to transform bread and wine into his Body and Blood, offering believers the living memorial of his Passover and becoming the bread of life.

Drawing from Pope Saint John Paul II’s writings, Father Luke emphasized the connection between Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation and the amen during the reception of the Eucharist. He explained how Mary’s faith in the Incarnation parallels the believer’s faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Recalling the significance of the Blessed Mother’s apparitions and their connection to the Eucharist, Father Luke highlighted the second apparition in Fatima. During this event, the Angel presented a Chalice with a Host, from which drops of Blood fell into the Chalice. The Angel then prostrated himself in adoration before the Host and Chalice, instructing the children of Fatima to do the same.

This underscored the importance of the Eucharist in Mary’s messages. Additionally, Father Luke discussed Mary’s call for the construction of chapels, as evidenced by her appearances to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco in Fatima, Saint Bernadette in Lourdes, and St. Diego in Mexico. He reflected on the chapel’s significance as a sacred space where Mass is celebrated and the Holy Eucharist – the body and blood of Christ – is present.

Participants reflected on Mary’s role as the New Eve and Jesus as the New Adam, emphasizing the Mass as the representation of Christ’s sacrifice. Father Luke then shared a profound personal life experience about his devoted mother, who, when she became ill, fervently prayed to Jesus for guidance to make the perfect sacrifice. In her final moments, she expressed to Father Luke that she was offering her suffering for his vocation.

Deacon Sal Bonfiglio led the second talk, beginning by highlighting the ongoing three-year campaign of the National Eucharistic Revival. Deacon Bonfiglio delved into the core of Catholic faith, emphasizing the profound meaning of the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The deacon remarked, “We’re all products of an education system that teaches us to demand scientific evidence before accepting something as true. Faith is often portrayed as merely a matter of opinion or personal preference, rather than a hard fact. It’s understandable why people may be skeptical of the Eucharist, viewing it as just a symbol. How could a small piece of bread be God?”

Contrary to the scientific method’s emphasis on visual evidence, Deacon Bonfiglio pointed out that the Letter to the Hebrews teaches us that our faith itself is evidence of the supernatural. He went on to mention Eucharistic miracles, where consecrated Hosts have revealed their true nature as human tissue on numerous occasions, a phenomenon he found fascinating. Deacon Bonfiglio stressed the importance of on-going personal faith formation, as the secular world may not provide it.

William Chirinos, a parishioner and one of the deacons at Mother of God, attended the event with his wife, May, who was deeply moved by the presentations, expressing, “Cursillo has brought this mini retreat that is much appreciated halfway through Lent. I get to meet and break bread with our community and people from other parishes. The speakers share reflections that keep me pondering. The atmosphere is infused with the Holy Spirit as people comment, praise, adore, and we all share in the love of our Lord.”

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in spiritual practices, including Stations of the Cross, Adoration, and Confession, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.